13 Day South Pacific Wonders

Your tour opens in Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site - the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here you’ll see traditional dances, learn how to play a didgeridoo or even throw a boomerang. Browse the renowned art gallery and interpretation center’s artefact collection. At Hartley’s Croc Farm, get up-close with crocodiles in their natural habitat!

Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands, home to birds, reptiles and wallabies. You may meet some of the local koalas and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these arboreal herbivores. Take an exciting cruise on the lagoon and watch for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue.

Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island.

Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

This morning, create your own adventure or simply relax and take in the tropical atmosphere. Later today, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.

See where the original English colonists first settled in 1788 during a city tour of Sydney. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst.

Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then you’re in for a unique experience as you learn firsthand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Later this evening, you may choose to take in an optional dinner and performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia whilst chatting with new friends and taking in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.

Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbour showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Fly to the historic city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself.

Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwis,” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” - the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe - up close and personal.

Depart Christchurch and make your way south to Queenstown. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon and have time to explore independently.

Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel.

Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island.

Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

A free day offers a variety of optional activities to enhance your tour. Shop or people-watch in the village; partake in an optional jet boat ride on the Shotover River; or join an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu and head to Mt. Nicholas High Country Farm, a family-run merino sheep farm. En route, see Cecil Peak, Bob’s Cove and Mt. Earnslaw. In your exclusive visit, follow the behind-the-scenes process from mustering sheep to wool garments.

Enjoy a fresh farmer’s lunch before sailing back. Later, it’s your choice! Go bird watching at the Kiwi Birdlife Park -OR- take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning panoramic views of the area. Gather for a farewell dinner and enjoy a local paddock-to-plate meal.

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure.